The day with dianne Louise

Dear friend, don’t let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God. 3 John 1:11 NLT The gloss that many carries are only skin deep. God is more interested in what is below the surface. Live aware of this and be aware of your own heart. Be a God pleaser, not a man-pleaser. Do all you do to please Him. He is watching. Amen!

For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” Romans 1:17 NIV https://romans.bible/romans-1-17 The people of God are called to live by faith, not by sight. This is a hard call when in the midst of sickness, but it bears fruit, nonetheless. I walk by faith, each step by faith, I put my trust in you! (Old song) Keep going! Strengthen those limbs that hang down and walk! I have my own battle at present. It is not good and is very smelly. My mum has chronic diarrhoea. Hospital won't have her. It is mine to manage. My God is greater! Amen!

That’s exactly what Jesus did. He didn’t make it easy for himself by avoiding people’s troubles, but waded right in and helped out. “I took on the troubles of the troubled,” is the way Scripture puts it. Even if it was written in Scripture long ago, you can be sure it’s written for us . God wants the combination of his steady, constant calling and warm, personal counsel in Scripture to come to characterize us , keeping us alert for whatever he will do next. May our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you so that you get along with each other as well as Jesus gets along with us all. Then we’ll be a choir—not our voices only, but our very lives singing in harmony in a stunning anthem to the God and Father of our Master Jesus! Romans 15:3‭-‬6 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/rom.15.3-6.MSG Like a bridge over troubled water Jesus is on our side. Others may fail in strength but He never fails. Amen!

May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Romans 15:5 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.15.5.NLT For someone who can read and play music, my ear is trained to hear harmony and it also notices disharmony when it hears it. Disharmony is not good. It grates and turns us away. Why is there disharmony in church? It usually has to do with the flesh. That part of us that is arrogant and strutting in its behaviour. It is not a pleasant odour. To live in harmony we must lose ourselves and yield to a higher power. The higher power here is Christ. His way is better, it is not our interpretation of His way that is better. We do this with patience and with encouragement, laying down our precious opinions of each other. Amen!

For as the waters fill the sea, the earth will be filled with an awareness of the glory of the Lord. Habakkuk 2:14 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/hab.2.14.NLT I stand against the noise of the enemy. He is vicious but will not win. Jesus is Lord and His Kingdom will not end. Across the earth, we are seeing people awake to the glory of the Lord! His is coming soon! Come, Lord Jesus! Let us focus on God's glory not mans sin. Let's elevate our Lord! Praise Him! Worship His name! Proclaim His Lordship over your world. Today I had a blessing. A sister saw I needed to go to an event for my grandchildren some 500kms away and knew I could not go as I am my mother's carer and she is unwell. She is coming to care for our mum whilst I go but not only that, paid for the airfares for me. I am blessed! Thank You, Lord!!

And yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand. Isaiah 64:8 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.64.8.NLT At one time I attempted pottery. I particularly enjoyed the wheel. It takes skill to hold a lump of clay centred on the wheel, keep the wheel in motion and produce a work of art. If there are any defects in the clay the pot will wobble and disfigure and you have to start again. The Lord is creating a vision of His Son in each of us. We are the lump of clay. All impediments are being removed and the work is a slow one. So, if ever you find your head in a spin, perhaps you are on the wheel and in the master's hands. There is no better place to be. Although the feeling makes you want to step down, stay put, He is in control and you can trust Him. Amen!

So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. Romans 12:1‭-‬2 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/rom.12.1-2.MSG Our ordinary everyday lives mean something to God. They are impregnated with opportunities to serve Him. Let's be aware! Amen!

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Romans 12:1 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.12.1.NLT How do I dedicate my body to God? How do I become a holy sacrifice? I must start with: we are not our own, we have been bought with a price, the precious blood of Christ.(1 Cor 6:19,20) If I am not my own, then I cannot dictate what I put into this body, what I put this body through. If I think about it, all my lists must be subject to Christ, this includes food lusts, drink lusts as well as what my eye gates watch and my ear gates hear. These all mist bow to Christ. He is Lord of all! This is how I worship Him. Amen!

“Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. Matthew 10:16 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.10.16.NLT Sheep do not like wolves. Being sent there by the Lord is a bit hairy. We really need to keep our eyes on Jesus as He is the only One who can keep us safe. Where are the wolves in your life? Knowing that wolves love to eat sheep, how bold will you be? Or are you hiding in a church activity? Maybe it is time for a review! Amen!

“Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. Matthew 10:16 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.10.16.NLT A snake is a shrewd animal. I watched a documentary about king cobras in India. They are a peculiar beast that eats other snakes. We know people who eat their own kind in skulduggery and sleight of hand in business. Politicians are good at killing one another verbally. We cannot be like this. Whilst knowing all we need to use wisdom in that knowing and self-control. Amen!

Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love. 1 Corinthians 16:13‭-‬14 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/1co.16.13-14.NLT Standing against all the tides of opposition requires courage. The tides are high at times, in fact they are tsunamis. If our house is on the rock, much like a lighthouse, the seas can rage but we will stand. So then ot behoves us to know the rock. Do you know Him? His name is Jesus! Why not try Him! He never fails!

Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love. 1 Corinthians 16:13‭-‬14 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/1co.16.13-14.NLT The above command and is one that could be given to a warrior but it is given to church people in Corinth by the Apostle Paul. What do non-army folk need such a word for? I am glad you asked! The Christian is always at war with the powers of darkness, for their own freedom and the souls of others. Not that we go looking for fights, like ghostbusters, but rather we are alert and on guard, our prayers are constant for others, knowing their enemy prowls like a lion looking for someone to devour. We need to be people of prayer and people of the word. We must know our commander, the Lord Almighty. We must be willing to lay down our lives for those we seek to save, much like a soldier would. We are always on call. Amen!

A just king gives stability to his nation, but one who demands bribes destroys it. Proverbs 29:4 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.29.4.NLT Justice and mercy are God's delight. When a leader gives these they bless their people. When a teacher, a parent or any leader brings justice and mercy they instigate freedom. Be a bringer of freedom! Amen!

A just king gives stability to his nation, but one who demands bribes destroys it. Proverbs 29:4 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.29.4.NLT Everyone knows countries where bribes are required, in Asia, they are called 'tea money.'  These particular countries inhibit good business because of the line of people with their hand out. I have a brother who tried to set up a business in the Philippines but after many trials had to admit defeat. Inefficiencies and corruption were too much for him. In Western civilization we are not as forthright in corruption, however, at many levels, it is there a lot of inefficiencies. The people affected by this inequity struggle under the burden and eventually rebel. The book of Revelation tells of the return of Christ to rule and reign and a hallmark of His reign is justice and equity for all. Yet those who like corruption will not enjoy it. Personally, I would relish it. Come Lord Jesus! In Australia, the government seeks to manage water allocat...

So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. Hebrews 10:35‭-‬36 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.10.35-36.NLT When we are confident of something we know we can do the task required of us in that particular field. However, Paul is here talking about a confident trust in another, an invisible other. How do we gain confidence in an unseen other? By testing. Testing is what we experience in life so that we can see we have the confidence. If we gain a confidence then we should not give it away easily. Confidence is hard won. Therefore, it should not be discarded lightly. Amen

So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. Hebrews 10:35‭-‬36 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.10.35-36.NLT Confident trust and patient endurance are required. My confidence must be in the Lord, not myself and I must stand in that place of confidence that He will keep His promises. There are times when my spirit knows something is happening but I cannot see it, this was my state yesterday. In these times I must wait patiently for what is done to be revealed. Trusting without seeing is imperative. Trusting that all will be revealed is essential. Amen

True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life. Proverbs 22:4 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.22.4.NLT Don't settle for a little humility. Test yourself and be aware: am I sounding my own trumpet here? Just when I think I am making headway with humility, up jumps pride. Yuk! It happened in Connect group tonight. We were all sharing and I could tell I had started to tinge my sharing with 'look at me, aren't I good! Oh dear! Lord have mercy! I wonder if Moses had this problem or Abraham or David?  We are not alone in the learning of humility. We are all prone to selfishness and self-aggrandizing. It stinks and only God's grace sets us free. Be of good cheer! He who began a good work in me is faithful to complete it. Amen!

True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honour, and long life. Proverbs 22:4 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.22.4.NLT It is hard to imagine a humble person being blessed, we are used to seeing the go-getters and takers with everything. However, if we look in the Bible for humble people we find one that stands out: Moses.  Moses was raised in Pharoah's house. He didn't start out humble. He tried to help his people and ended up killing an Egyptian and he ran away. He stayed in the backside of the desert for 40 years learning a better way then the next 40 taking care of God's people in the desert. By being humble he was elevated to leader over a few million people. The richness Moses had to start with was not the richness he had at the end. One was earthly wealth and the other was heavenly. He spoke to God's face to face. Miracles were provided through Moses to the people. If all we want is earthly wealth we short-changed ourselves when there is more, a clos...

With promises like this to pull us on, dear friends, let’s make a clean break with everything that defiles or distracts us, both within and without. Let’s make our entire lives fit and holy temples for the worship of God. 2 Corinthians 7:1 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/2co.7.1.MSG Each of us have to deal with different distractions and attractions which pulls us away from a holy lifestyle. There are hidden secrets that would destroy us if we fail to deal with them. We live in an age when everything that was hidden is now being revealed. Never assume you can completely cover a in. It is always waiting to break out. Jesus told His disciples: it is better to fall upon the rock and be broken than to have the rock fall on you and be crushed. Jesus is the rock. We can come to Him in brokenness or have our sin uncovered and be forever devastated. Choose life that you might live! Amen!

Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God. 2 Corinthians 7:1 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/2co.7.1.NLT What promises is Paul referring to here? If we look back into even the last chapter we find: For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation. 2 Cor 2:2  And again God said: “I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 2 Cor  6:16 Paul is referring to God's promise to live with us, for us to be His temple. Have anyone see elaborate churches or temples? Imagine having the God of heaven living in us, what manner of the temple would you design for Him? Would you have gold, silver or bronze fittings, how big would it be? Would you have candles? Incense? Singers? Musicians? The Lord Himself...

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promises. Hebrews 10:23 Have you ever seen the cartoon of a man who falls over a cliff and call out: "is there anyone there?" God answers: "I'm here! Let go and I'll catch you!" The man then says: "is there anyone else there?" Our trust in God is fine and dandy when all goes well. It is when the wheels fall off or we face a new challenge things become hairy. Yet facing new challenges is a part of life. God will not leave us untested otherwise we will not know how well we have learned to trust Him. Trusting is a part of relationship. We all must begin to trust or our relationships are very shaky. Metal when purified and molded into objects must be tested or we will not now how good the object is. Imagine if the creators of motor vehicles never tested them, how safe would we consider them? If furniture was never tested would we sit on the chairs or lie ...

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Hebrews 10:23 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.10.23.NLT Holding right is something we were told to do as children and it is something we tell our children or anyone we know who is struggling. In Australia euthanasia is being legalised and almost, as if there is now permission, more people are taking their own lives much like taking a panadol. This is a sad trend which has infiltrated the church as well. Yet we have a glorious hope. The above Scripture tells us to hold tight to the hope we have in Him. Jesus said He was the great I Am.. The God of creation, the almighty God who saves. We can trust in Him. When we are tested with illness, financial strains or relational problems, He is there to help. Amen

Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Psalms 51:10 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.51.10. NLT Deep within there is a longing to be clean and free from sin and in a right relationship with God Almighty. Coming to God and asking forgiveness and a new heart is a good start. King David had just been discovered in his sin and was repentant before the Lord. He is good and is ever willing to forgive. No sin is beyond forgiveness, none, not one. Amazing Grace was written by a man who had been a slave trader. He came from being a ruthless and cruel man to a soft man before God. Trust Him! He will come through for you.

I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/hos.6.6.NLT Showing love is not just something I do when I feel warm and fuzzy, in fact, if I rely on warm and fuzzy, it probably is not very deep. How do you feel when people fish all over you in an instant and then turn away to another project? Do you feel loved? No? What am I not surprised? This is felt more acutely when you are struggling with devastation. Your ability to cope with pain is diminished by the pain. Therefore, you are injured to a greater degree than you would when all things are fine. The moral is: let love be genuine. Romans 12:9. Asking God for His heart is always smart. His heart is way better, as is His love. Amen!

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, 1 Peter 5:6 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/1pe.5.6.HCSB Humbling ourselves can be difficult, especially if we are confronted with a wrong we have done by someone else. We may rush to our defence in annoyance. Yet making room to seek God and find His heart will humble us. If we are wrong, we need to know and accept it. Arrogance and annoyance is not good fruit. Humility is a good fruit. This one heals us. Amen!

Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf. Hebrews 7:25 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.7.25.NLT He is able to save. The just requirement to cleanses us from sin was a perfect sacrifice. Jesus was that sacrifice. He did it all. You have no need to prove yourself. You are accepted as you are and invited to partake from His perfect nature. You do this by faith, not sight. You are a winner in Christ. Believe all things, hope all things. Love does this in you. Amen!

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. Isaiah 26:3‭-‬4 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.26.3-4.NLT In Australia, in the very centre is a high rock called Uluru. It is 863meters high, which isn't huge by many mountains but this arkose: feldspar, sedimentary rock, sits right out in the middle of the desert, 450km from the nearest city called Alice Springs. The rock is a famous part of Australia and has been around for a very long time. This rock is sacred to the aborigines. As Christians, we have a rock, who has been around forever and ever and who is dependable, steadfast and true. His name is Jesus. He is our redeemer. He gives us salvation and fills us with His Holy Spirit to enable us to live our lives for Him. The difference between these two rocks is staggering. One is dead and powerless to save, one is alive and ever-present to save. One shed His bloo...

Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith : Christ was revealed in a human body and vindicated by the Spirit. He was seen by angels and announced to the nations. He was believed in throughout the world and taken to heaven in glory. 1 Timothy 3:16 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/1ti.3.16.NLT The mystery of our faith has many branches: how did Jesus rise from the dead? Where did He go when He rose from the dead, who did He see? How did He go through walls yet be able to eat fish? What manner of man was He? How did He ascend into heaven? The scientist in me drools at the possible answers. I love discovering new and hidden things. Our God delights in providing those things for us to explore. I looking forward to a guided space walk around the universe with my Lord. Why? How? Are some of my questions. Irregardless of my questions there is the matter of faith: by faith things happened, Hebrews tells us. This is the realm I must navigate daily. My God lives outside of time and ...

Darkness as black as night covers all the nations of the earth, but the glory of the Lord rises and appears over you. All nations will come to your light; mighty kings will come to see your radiance. Isaiah 60:2‭-‬3 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.60.2-3.NLT Those who carry the Spirit of Christ carry a radiance or a potential radiance. As we let the glory of the Lord shine through us we become radiant. How do I let His radiance shine? Praise Him in all circumstances. Make your heart filled with praise. Praise lifts, it illuminates, it draws the power and presence of God. Let it shine! Amen!

Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord  God is the eternal Rock. Isaiah 26:4 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.26.4.NLT Trusting for humans is difficult if the past experience has proven futile. However, the Lord understands and takes us to trusting, one step at a time. Trusting becomes easier once we start. Trusting God is worthwhile as He is faithful. The times we have problems are the times we have unrealistic expectations. Often we are stuck at childish expectations because that is where our problem with trust began. Allow Him to heal you. He is able. Amen!

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. Isaiah 26:3‭-‬4 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.26.3-4.NLT In Australia, in the very centre is a high rock called Uluru. It is 863meters high, which isn't huge by many mountains but this arkose: feldspar, sedimentary rock, sits right out in the middle of the desert, 450km from the nearest city called Alice Springs. The rock is a famous part of Australia and has been around for a very long time. This rock is sacred to the aborigines. As Christians, we have a rock, who has been around forever and ever and who is dependable, steadfast and true. His name is Jesus. He is our redeemer. He gives us salvation and fills us with His Holy Spirit to enable us to live our lives for Him. The difference between these two rocks is staggering. One is dead and powerless to save, one is alive and ever-present to save. One shed His bloo...

For we walk by faith, not by sight, 2 Corinthians 5:7 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/2co.5.7.HCSB Does what you see trouble you? Are you bothered about the Degeneration of our societies? Does all you see cause you to struggle with your faith? Does the words of Jesus: "Fear not!" Mean anything to you? Or do you fear? We must decide on what we watch, listen to and all about. All of these determine our mindset. What has authority in your world? If the word of God is the first place you go, then you can be sure you will find peace.

So, we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight, and we are confident and satisfied to be out of the body and at home with the Lord. Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the tribunal of Christ, so that each may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or worthless. 2 Corinthians 5:6‭-‬10 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/2co.5.6-10.HCSB There is a tension in us and for us. Eternity is where we are heading. For those who know the Lord, this is our aim: to spend eternity with the Lord. We might love adventure and enjoy adventurous novels yet the greatest adventure awaits us. What amazing things has God planned for us in the future? Eternity will not be dull or boring. My Bible tells me I have a God of surprises. I am looking forward to all He has for me. I wait in faith and anticipation. Whilst ...

There were many priests under the old system, for death prevented them from remaining in office. But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts forever. Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf. He is the kind of high priest we need because he is holy and blameless, unstained by sin. He has been set apart from sinners and has been given the highest place of honor in heaven. Unlike those other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices every day. They did this for their own sins first and then for the sins of the people. But Jesus did this once for all when he offered himself as the sacrifice for the people’s sins. The law appointed high priests who were limited by human weakness. But after the law was given, God appointed his Son with an oath, and his Son has been made the perfect High Priest forever. Hebrews 7:23‭-‬28 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.7.23...

He wants not only us but everyone saved, you know, everyone to get to know the truth we’ve learned: that there’s one God and only one, and one Priest-Mediator between God and us—Jesus, who offered himself in exchange for everyone held captive by sin, to set them all free. Eventually, the news is going to get out. This and this only has been my appointed work: getting this news to those who have never heard of God, and explaining how it works by simple faith and plain truth. 1 Timothy 2:4‭-‬7 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/1ti.2.4-7.MSG The message of salvation is the most important. Our God longs for us all. It is ours for the taking. No amount of law-keeping and sacrifice will do. Salvation is the only door into an eternity with Him. We can bully and cajole, rant and rave but if it all ends tomorrow, what will all the words be worth? The word of God is light and life. We are the bearers of these. If a torch refuses to shine and would rather sulk about n...

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. John 1:5 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.1.5.NLT Our time lone and God's are very different. We want immediate revenge, action and resolution. Because God uses all things for good, He allows them to take longer than we want. The waiting produces character in us who wait. God's ways are much better and His justice much better. Trust Him! Amen!

For, There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. 1 Timothy 2:5‭-‬6 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/1ti.2.5-6.NLT What a good message! I am grateful there is only One God. You may argue: I thought there was three. No, three in One. Just as I have a body, a soul and a spirit: I am three in One. Each part is distinct. My body you see, my soul you hear(this my mind, will and intellect) my spirit you may sense, it is the power within. A Christian has a powerful, dynamic Spirit, one filled with the Spirit of God. As we let the spirit lead and grow in godliness it shines as it is meant to. My spirit is not how I feel, it is how I am connected to my God. It is how I sense Him. As a Christian I carry this reconciliation around with me, seeking to bring others into reconciliation to their saviour. Amen!

In the beginning, the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed at the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. John 1:1‭-‬5 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.1.1-5.NLT Jesus is the Word made flesh. This scripture presents a wonderful mystery: the Word of God being a living entity. The words we use have power. Are they sourced in faith, grace, life? If so then they come from Him. If we use destructive words, they come from the pit of hell and are used to tear down and destroy. We can easily flow with the Word of God and when we do we bring blessing, create hope, open doors. The Word of God shines in the darkness. We can take this Word into dark places and see captives set free, the wounded healed and the broken ...

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/php.4.8.NLT Keeping our minds on honourable things can be challenging. I have a cousins wife who had her precious camera stolen last night. Today she is spitting chips! Her thoughts are revenge at present. I pray she can move on. However, having had thieves break in many years ago I can sympathise. Hurt and severe disappointments can colour our thoughts and this is especially when the 'good fight of faith' takes place. It is when our emotions rage and we lust for revenge that the challenge takes place. Stay focussed and forgive often. Amen!

Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable — if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise — dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/php.4.8.HCSB Do you find that your mind is drawn to the negative or critical? Do you realise this can be changed? It is not just you. You can claim to be a melancholic personality yet Paul does not give us this option. He fells us to dwell upon all things good, clean and lovely. Scripture tells us we have the mind of Christ. If this is the case we have a mind to reconciliation, forgiveness and believing the best. Challenge yourself to find yourself with this mindset and seek it. You'll be surprised when you find it. Rebuke the negative and it will flee! Amen!

When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is: fear God and keep His commands, because this is for all humanity. Ecclesiastes 12:13 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/ecc.12.13.HCSB We can be involved in many glorious projects, paths of learning and write many books but lose sight of our relationship with God. We all come to times when we must remind ourselves of the real focus....love the Lord with all your heart and stay close to Him.

For sin will not rule over you, because you are not under law but under grace. Romans 6:14 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/rom.6.14.HCSB Sin loses its power to rule or dominate when I person is born again. I know it does not feel like it at times, but this is the truth of the matter. Grace brings forgiveness but also the power to overcome. Jesus does not leave us alone in our sins. He conquered them in His death on the cross and we conquer them by faith in His work and the victory He won for us. Simple childlike faith is all that is required to walk in freedom. Amen!

Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace. Romans 6:14 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.6.14.NLT If we can only truly understand the freedom that is ours in Christ. If Christ has set you free, you are free indeed. Christ did not just set me free from the law but also the stranglehold of sin. It was my master, yet when I invited Christ in, He became my master. Sin no longer has control over me! Amen!

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires of your former ignorance. But as the One who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct; 1 Peter 1:14‭-‬15 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/1pe.1.14-15.HCSB When Christ comes into our lives He reveals the truth. We can no longer walk in our old thinking because we now know the right way. We now know we are called to be holy. This means we don't do and say things we used to do and say. We don't go to certain places, watch certain things on TV or online. We have a new heart. Let's live in the revelation! amen!

Therefore, with your minds ready for action, be serious and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires of your former ignorance. But as the One who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct; for it is written, Be holy, because I am holy. 1 Peter 1:13‭-‬16 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/1pe.1.13-16.HCSB Is your mindset, ready for action? I am sure those who serve in the armed services understand this principle. They are trained to be ready. Our God is endeavouring to train us to be ready. What does He want us ready for? The revealing of the 'grace'  of Jesus Christ. This grace is an endowment for a task. It is not like bubble bath, something just for us to revel in. Grace is given as the Son of God is revealed to an in us. Grace is for action. This grace is empowerment to be holy, living set-apart lives, lives not consumed with worldly thi...

The man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence indeed is the Lord, is blessed. Jeremiah 17:7 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/jer.17.7.HCSB Trusting in ourselves to sort things out is dangerous. However, trusting the Lord is always smart. His timing is perfect for all things and we can trust Him. No use becoming upset because things don't go the way we think, perhaps we have missed a vital link or key. God has it! We can trust Him! Amen!

Lord , when You showed Your favor, You made me stand like a strong mountain; when You hid Your face, I was terrified. Psalms 30:7 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/psa.30.7.HCSB There are times of favour, you know the Lord's blessing is upon you, you can tackle the world. Yet when God seems to be hidden, it is a lonely experience. Lonely times are times of faith and trust and taking a step at a time or perhaps trying yourself to the mast and standing through the storm. The tough times strengthen us, we are prooved like metal. The more we are tested the more we know well what is inside. If we are finding a leaner, cleaner individual it encourages us: I am getting there, I can see the prize. Keep going! The trophy and the crown are waiting! Amen!

Therefore repent and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped out, that seasons of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, Acts 3:19 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/act.3.19.HCSB Words such as 'sin' and 'repentance' have been given a bad rap. Sin is missing the mark and repentance is simply: "sorry Lord, I blew it!" Now, move on in grace. Grace is filled with power to obey and follow. The map is the word of God. Don't deviate! Don't try to rewrite the script! Humble yourself and obey! It carries much reward. Amen!

Therefore repent and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped out, that seasons of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, Acts 3:19 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/act.3.19.HCSB This verse is from Peter's message after the Holy Spirit had fallen. Jerusalem was full of people from far and near who had come to worship God in the temple. God's people, in error, killed Jesus but God raised Him from the dead. Peter is calling them to repentance so that they might be refreshed. God's people need refreshing. What is God wanting to set us free from? Same old, same old? Are we worshipping Him in our old ways and He is knocking and asking for time with us? Does He have a New Thing He wants to bring to us? A time of refreshing perhaps. Perhaps it is time to stop and ask and listen. Amen!

Attention, Israel! God, our God! God the one and only! Deuteronomy 6:4 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/deu.6.4.MSG There is only one creator, one God and He is the Lord Almighty. God had a serious problem with His people going their own way in the Old Testament. He repeated said: " Put Me first!" Although we are under grace in the New Testament, we cannot presume that we can control God and manipulate Him for our own purposes. God does no partake in out games. He sits and waits for us to realise He is not there. Wise Up! Amen!

“Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:4‭-‬5 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/deu.6.4-5.NLT This scripture contains a command given by Moses to the Children of Israel. In the previous chapter, he had given them the 10 commandments. However, here in Chapter 6 he was letting them know this was the greatest: loving God first. God had come down on the mountain of fire and the people had withdrawn leaving Moses to interact with God. God saw that and heard their comments. He told Moses I heard what they said. It is almost like His heart was hurt by their unwillingness to relate or come close. The children of Israel chose to relate to God through an intermediary when God wanted their hearts. Many today chose to know God from a distance, this is where problems begin. Jesus' sacrifice made it possible for us to draw near in relationship. It is through...

So it is a sin for the person who knows to do what is good and doesn’t do it. James 4:17 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/jas.4.17.HCSB Our sinful nature draws us to live for our lusts and when we succumb knowingly, it is sin. However, we have an advocate who is interesting for us and His Holy Spirit who cries out for mercy.  Having mercy so readily available is peace. Confession of sin brings peace. We are given Gods Holy Spirit so that we might not habitually live in sin. We have the power, we just to need to flick the switch. Amen!

Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” Otherwise, you are boasting about your own pretentious plans, and all such boasting is evil. Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it. James 4:13‭-‬17 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jas.4.13-17.NLT Modern man is taught to make plans and it is good to plan but we must submit those plans to the Lord. The older I get the more I realise the truth of this scripture. I do not really know the future, God does. I must allow Him to direct my paths. This year I have found myself studying English and creative writing. It is amazing. The enjoyment I am havin...

Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion. Philippians 2:5‭-‬8 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/php.2.5-8.MSG What an example! He gave us the power to love as He lived! No excuse!

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Philippians 2:3‭-‬5 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/php.2.3-5.NLT If I want to know what 'selfless' looks like, I look at Jesus. He displayed how to be human and selfless. He was not a doormat, yet He was not all about Him. In fact, Jesus said He was here to do His Father's will. The gospels show us what Jesus was like. He spent time with the Father seeking His will and then He went about doing it. The ultimate sacrifice came in His obedience in dying on the cross. He gave up His deity, His right as the Son of God. He did not deserve to die on the cross, we did, yet He took our place. Each of us is commanded to pick up our cross and to follow Him. For each of us, this is different. It is dying to self, laying down all ...

Listen to good advice if you want to live well, an honoured guest among wise men and women. Proverbs 15:31 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/pro.15.31.MSG Wise people listen to good advice but there are times everyone is challenged to keep listening. Why the challenge? Pride blocks our ears, arrogance blocks our heart, self-righteousness blocks our spirits. Plus, there are times we are tested with donkeys. Donkeys are the most unlikely sources of wisdom. Yet, if our ears are always open, we hear the donkey talk. Therefore, the challenge of finding gold is to stay humble and connected to the vine. Jesus showed us how. Study him!

Listen to good advice if you want to live well, an honoured guest among wise men and women. Proverbs 15:31 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/pro.15.31.MSG Wise people listen to good advice but there are times everyone is challenged to keep listening. Why the challenge? Pride blocks our ears, arrogance blocks our heart, self-righteousness blocks our spirits. Plus, there are times we are tested with donkeys. Donkeys are the most unlikely sources of wisdom. Yet, if our ears are always open, we hear the donkey talk. Therefore, the challenge of finding gold is to stay humble and connected to the vine. Jesus showed us how. Study him!

If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. Proverbs 15:31 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.15.31.NLT Discerning what is constructive criticism is important. Jesus said: have ears to hear. We need to hear the spirit of what is being said. The Spirit gives life. If we follow what He is saying we will learn and grow. God uses all manner of folk to be His voice and there are times when a personality that is irksome comes into play. Always, always seek God: are you speaking to me through this donkey? Don't miss an opportunity to grow. Amen!

Then he told them what they could expect for themselves: “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat—I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? If any of you is embarrassed with me and the way I’m leading you, know that the Son of Man will be far more embarrassed with you when he arrives in all his splendor in company with the Father and the holy angels. This isn’t, you realize, pie in the sky by and by. Some who have taken their stand right here are going to see it happen, see with their own eyes the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:23‭-‬27 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/luk.9.23-27.MSG Let Christ lead! Amen!

Then he told them what they could expect for themselves: “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat—I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? If any of you is embarrassed with me and the way I’m leading you, know that the Son of Man will be far more embarrassed with you when he arrives in all his splendor in company with the Father and the holy angels. This isn’t, you realize, pie in the sky by and by. Some who have taken their stand right here are going to see it happen, see with their own eyes the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:23‭-‬27 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/luk.9.23-27.MSG Let Christ lead! Amen!

Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed? Luke 9:23‭-‬25 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.9.23-25.NLT Fear of the unknown, of what is next will cause us to hang onto our lives. This is true when we are at a crossroad. Crossroads can be places of loss or devastation or just change, we know change is in the air. Children often say: "when I grow up I am going to be...." We are not children anymore and know God is the author and finisher of our faith. Change is when I must trust God most as He brings the future together. He, the author, always has a plan and it is for my good. Amen!

Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:37‭-‬39 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.22.37-39.NLT Jesus was asked what the greatest command was and He gave them the First and then another which summed up all others; loving others as we love ourself. When do we love like this? Always: when things are good and when things are bad, when men speak well of us and when they don't. We usually handle the praise but not the criticism. Yet what causes others to criticise? Offence, bitterness, anger, resentment, un forgiveness are all motivations which stem from self. How can I love and forgive this person? The answer lies in the first commandment: loving God above all else. Jesus loved the Father and obeyed Him in death on a cross. I am grateful He did. I live in a freed...

They will fight you, but they will fail. For I am with you, and I will take care of you. I, the Lord , have spoken!” Jeremiah 1:19 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jer.1.19.NLT Jeremiah felt he was inadequate but God told him he was. Jeremiah believed God and stepped up. We cannot live in fear of the noisy enemy. It's focus is to break us down and crush us. Yet with God on our side, if there is not foothold for the enemy he will fail. Wait and see what God does. Having an enemy refines us. We drop the flesh and tone up as a warrior. Warriors can't afford to be petty or petulant. Show your enemy what you are in Christ. Amen!

Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Galatians 5:25 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/gal.5.25.NLT Living by the Spirit. How do we do that? We abide! Jesus said: if you abide in Me and My Word abides in you, you can ask whatever you will and it shall be done! He also prayed to the Father:  'thank You Father that You always hear me' . Jesus told His disciples that if they abide in Him the Father and He would come and make their home with us. A lot of benefits, don't you think? Worth considering. Is there someone our Father would rather have us be? Yes! Like His Son! Who though, His previous position in heaven gave Him rights,  humbled Himself to be born in a stable as a man just like His creation. I watched a short video about a carter pillar which metamorphosed several times in it's life. Imagine you being born as a caterpillar. This gives a context for God becoming a man. Your memory of your manhood would co...

All the others care only for themselves and not for what matters to Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:21 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/php.2.21.NLT Paul, here, was commending Timothy who genuinely cared for those who came to Christ. He put them first above his own interests. People know when your love is shallow and self-serving. When we are only pleasant so as to extract something from them, they know. The Father wants us to love Him and love others as we do ourselves. Why not ask Him to show you if you are on track? Love conquers a multitude of sins. Amen!

Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Galatians 5:25 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/gal.5.25.NLT Living by the Spirit. How do we do that? We abide! Jesus said: if you abide in Me and My Word abides in you, you can ask whatever you will and it shall be done! He also prayed to the Father:  'thank You Father that You always hear me' . Jesus told His disciples that if they abide in Him the Father and He would come and make their home with us. A lot of benefits, don't you think? Worth considering. Is there someone our Father would rather have us be? Yes! Like His Son! Who though, His previous position in heaven gave Him rights,  humbled Himself to be born in a stable as a man just like His creation. I watched a short video about a carter pillar which metamorphosed several times in it's life. Imagine you being born as a caterpillar. This gives a context for God becoming a man. Your memory of your manhood would co...

They will fight you, but they will fail. For I am with you, and I will take care of you. I, the Lord , have spoken!” Jeremiah 1:19 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jer.1.19.NLT Jeremiah felt he was inadequate but God told him he was. Jeremiah believed God and stepped up. We cannot live in fear of the noisy enemy. It's focus is to break us down and crush us. Yet with God on our side, if there is not foothold for the enemy he will fail. Wait and see what God does. Having an enemy refines us. We drop the flesh and tone up as a warrior. Warriors can't afford to be petty or petulant. Show your enemy what you are in Christ. Amen!

Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:37‭-‬39 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.22.37-39.NLT Jesus was asked what the greatest command was and He gave them the First and then another which summed up all others; loving others as we love ourself. When do we love like this? Always: when things are good and when things are bad, when men speak well of us and when they don't. We usually handle the praise but not the criticism. Yet what causes others to criticise? Offence, bitterness, anger, resentment, un forgiveness are all motivations which stem from self. How can I love and forgive this person? The answer lies in the first commandment: loving God above all else. Jesus loved the Father and obeyed Him in death on a cross. I am grateful He did. I live in a freed...

Those who are left will be the lowly and humbler it is they who trust in the name of the Lord. Zephaniah 3:12 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/zep.3.12.NLT Only the humble and lowly can discern the heart of the Lord, otherwise, we interpret His mind through our own arrogance and self-will. Arrogance and self-will are confronted by the Lord. When Jesus said to Peter: Satan has asked that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith will not fail, Jesus was showing Peter his root of arrogant presumption. Sifting comes to an area of arrogance in our personality as arrogance shows we are unyielded to God. Arrogant people suppose they hear God's heart but they are hearing their own pride speaking. We need to repent of arrogance and humble ourselves before God so that we might find His heart and mind. Repentance is good for our souls. Amen!

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3:12 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/col.3.12.NLT Tenderhearted mercy, what does that look like? First, what is a tender heart? I think of a little child when I think of this word, open receptive, no malice. A heart tender to the Lord is His desire. Then, to show mercy. I think of Jesus on the cross: "Father forgive them for they know not what they do!" Jesus could have come down from the cross, called a legion of angels to wipe out His foes but He stayed and endured the horror for those who did not deserve mercy. Kindness, humility, gentleness do not rant and rave or go to war. They love those who persecute them. How foreign these attributes are to the flesh. What can I learn in a time of persecution? A closer walk with my God, a fresh place, a deeper trust and understanding and a cleansing from all deserving acc...